The Nature of
Fear

Fear and all of its gradients—panic, alarm, anxiety,
worry, concern, nervousness, trepidation, apprehension, etc.—are all different levels of angst
concerning some loss
of the sustenance and/or the enhancement of life. Fear in its most
elemental essence is simply the opposite of worship because it grants
credit for the possibility or intent of detracting from or eliminating
the sustenance and/or enhancement of life. Fear is not just the mind killer,
but is also the morale killer. See the
definition of worship.

It is rather easy to see and understand the above definition and the
unproductive nature of these aspects of fear when it is groundless or not legitimate.
Illegitimate fear is debilitating, and such a foolish, needless waste and
theft of life fulfillment and enhancement. All for no reason? Appalling,
atrocious, abominable! Education, knowledge and greater awareness of
pertinent realities can solve this problem related to superstition.

The challenge comes in two phases when it is time to deal
with the gradient of real or legitimate fear when it comes to us. First is
determining whether that aspect IS real, substantive, valid, legitimate. If it can be determined that
the fear is not legitimate, no problem because the fear can then easily
be dismissed.

Secondly, when the aspect of fear is genuine, has substance, how then to manage the negative effect upon the best
course of action? It is widely understood by reasonable people that the
worst thing to do is to deny it or bury it. It is mind clearing and
empowering to acknowledge it and yet not be controlled by it.

You could write a book
about it but the simple solution when fear comes unbidden is to own it,
admit that it may affect us, but, determine NOT to be controlled by it.

What is most relevant relating to this site and spiritual issues, is that
the entire posture taken by the human race is one of fear toward God. The
temptation is to think that God seems prone to anger, and when it comes, it is terrible.

It is telling that Christians often describe another man as, "He's a
God-fearing man." What they mean is that this person is a "known quantity"
in that they know this person fears God and his retribution, and that this
fear will keep him reasonably in line with Christian values and behavior.
Those that have this mentality are so spiritually primitive that they don't
realize that fear is the opposite of worship. What an insult to God! And we
wonder why God is so non-involved!